Ignition Modes E169299
The keyless starting system has three
modes:
• Off: Turns the ignition off.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode,
or when the engine is running but
the vehicle is not moving.
• On: All electrical circuits are
operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once.
• Start: Starts the vehicle. The engine
may not start when the vehicle starts.
• Press the brake pedal, and then
press the button for any length of
time. An indicator light on the
button illuminates when then
ignition is on and when the engine
starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE When the engine starts for the first time
on your drive, the idle speed increases, this
helps to warm up the engine. If the engine
idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have your vehicle checked
by an authorized dealer. Note: You can crank the engine for a total
of 60 seconds (without the engine starting)
before the starting system temporarily
disables. The 60 seconds does not have to
be all at once. For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each
time, without the engine starting, you
reached the 60-second time limit. A
message appears in the information display
alerting you that you exceeded the cranking
time. You cannot attempt to start the engine
for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you
are limited to a 15-second engine cranking
time. You need to wait 60 minutes before
you can crank the engine for 60 seconds
again.
Before starting the vehicle, check the
following:
• Make sure all occupants have fastened
their safety belts.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Move the transmission selector lever
to position P .
• Turn the ignition key to position II . If
your vehicle is equipped with a keyless
ignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to position III to start the
vehicle. Release the key when the
vehicle starts.
Note: The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.
Note: If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note: Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
137Starting and Stopping the Engine
Note: You must have your intelligent access
key in the vehicle in order to shift the
transmission out of position P .
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
Note: The green ready indicator illuminates
letting you know that the vehicle is ready
for driving. Since your vehicle is equipped
with a silent key start, the engine may not
start at the time of the vehicle start. See
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (page 142).
The system does not function if:
• The key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start the vehicle, do
the following: E147165
1. Locate the key backup slot in center
console utility compartment.
2. With the buttons facing the rear of the
vehicle and the key ring up, place the
key into backup slot.
3. With the key in this position, press the
brake pedal, and then the button to
switch on the vehicle.
Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you to
restart the engine within 20 seconds of
switching it off, even if a valid key is not
present. Within 20 seconds of switching the engine
off, press the brake pedal and press the
button. After 20 seconds have expired, you
can no longer restart the vehicle without
the key present inside your vehicle.
Once the vehicle has started, it remains
running until you press the button, even if
the system does not detect a valid key. If
you open and close a door while the vehicle
is running, the system searches for a valid
key. You cannot restart the engine if the
system does not detect a valid key within
20 seconds.
Automatic Shutdown This feature automatically shuts down the
vehicle if it has been idling for an extended
period. The ignition also turns off in order
to save battery power. Before the vehicle
shuts down, a message appears in the
information display showing a timer
counting down from 30 seconds. If you do
not intervene within 30 seconds, the
vehicle shuts down. Another message
appears in the information display to
inform you that the vehicle has shut down
in order to save fuel. Start your vehicle as
you normally do.
Automatic Shutdown Override
Note: You cannot permanently switch off
the automatic shutdown feature. When you
switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the
next ignition cycle.
You can stop the shutdown, or reset the
timer, at any point before the 30-second
countdown has expired by doing any of the
following:
138Starting and Stopping the Engine
• You can reset the timer by interacting
with your vehicle (such as pressing the
brake pedal or accelerator pedal).
• You can temporarily switch off the
shutdown feature any time the ignition
is on (for the current ignition cycle
only). Use the information display to
do so. See Information Displays
(page 86).
• During the countdown before
shutdown, you are prompted to press
OK or RESET (depending on your type
of information display) to temporarily
switch the feature off (for the current
ignition cycle only).
Switching Off the Vehicle When It
Is Stationary Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1. Move the transmission selector lever
to position P .
2. Turn the key to position 0 .
3. Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1. Move the transmission selector lever
to position P .
2. Press the button once.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Note: This switches off the ignition, all
electrical circuits, warning lamps and
indicators.
Note: If the engine is idling for 30 minutes,
the ignition and engine automatically shut
down. Switching Off the Vehicle When It
Is Moving WARNING
Switching off the engine when the
vehicle is still moving will result in a
loss of brake and steering assistance.
The steering will not lock, but higher effort
will be required. When the ignition is
switched off, some electrical circuits,
warning lamps and indicators may also be
off.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1. Move the transmission selector lever
to position N and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, move
the transmission selector lever to
position P and turn the key to position
0 .
3. Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1. Move the transmission selector lever
to position N and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, move
the transmission selector lever to
position P .
3. Press and hold the button for one
second, or press it three times within
two seconds.
4. Apply the parking brake.
139Starting and Stopping the Engine
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes WARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside
your vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer
immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if
you smell exhaust fumes. Carbon
monoxide is present in exhaust fumes.
Take precautions to avoid its dangerous
effects.
Important Ventilating Information If you stop your vehicle and the leave the
engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the
following:
• Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5
centimeters)
• Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNINGS
Failure to follow engine block heater
instructions could result in property
damage or serious personal injury.
Do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk
of electrical shock.
Note: The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below 0°F
(-18°C). The heater acts as a starting aid by
warming the engine coolant. This allows
the climate control system to respond
quickly. The equipment includes a heater
element (installed in the engine block) and
a wire harness. You can connect the
system to a grounded 120-volt AC
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and heater cord
plug connections are free and clear of
water. This could cause an electric
shock or fire.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked in a
clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and
extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the
electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30
minutes.
• Make sure the heater system is
checked for proper operation before
winter.
140Starting and Stopping the Engine
Using the Engine Block Heater The engine block heater plug is located in
a housing in the left fog lamp bezel. Open
the hinged, circular door and make sure
the receptacle terminals are clean and dry
prior to use. Clean them with a dry cloth if
necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours
of energy per hour of use. The system does
not have a thermostat. It will achieve
maximum temperature after
approximately three hours of operation. If
you use the heater longer than three hours,
this will not improve system performance
and will use unnecessary electricity.
141Starting and Stopping the Engine
The vehicle may enter Enable Engine mode
if the climate control is in a defrost mode
and the outside temperature is cold. A
message Engine Enabled Due to Defrost
will display if this occurs. If defrost is not
needed, select a different climate control
mode to permit EV Now.
When you enable EV Now, a blue EV icon
displays in the left-hand information
display. If the vehicle is in the Engine
Enabled mode, the EV icon will be yellow.
EV Now will automatically exit when the
Plug in power has been depleted.
EV Later E151263
This mode saves most of the
high voltage battery plug in
power for future use (for
example, your initial drive is at high speeds
on open roads, but later your drive will be
at low speeds in an urban area where
plug-in power usage is most efficient).
Your vehicle will run the engine as needed
and keep most of the high voltage battery
plug in power for later use in Auto Mode or
EV Now mode.
When you enable EV Later, a white EV
Later icon appears on the left-hand
information display.
The EV Later mode will automatically reset
to EV Auto mode when you power the
vehicle off. You may press the EV button
twice during the next drive to return to EV
Later mode, if desired.
Hybrid Vehicle Operation (Fusion
Hybrid and Fusion Energi)
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved
efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these
unique characteristics will provide an
optimal driving experience from your new
vehicle. Note: You may notice higher engine speeds
upon start-up. This temporary condition is
normal and necessary to heat up the cabin
and minimize emissions. E144692
Starting: When you start your
vehicle, a green ready indicator
light will appear in the lower right
portion of the instrument cluster and a
ready to drive message will appear in the
middle of the left cluster screen, letting
you know that the vehicle is ready for
driving.
The engine may not start because this
vehicle is equipped with silent key start.
This fuel saving feature allows your vehicle
to be ready–to–drive without requiring the
gas engine to be running. This indicator will
remain on while the vehicle is on, whether
the engine is running or not to indicate the
vehicle is capable of movement (using its
electric motor, engine, or both). Typically,
the engine will not start unless the vehicle
is cold, a climate control change is
requested, or the accelerator is pressed.
Driving: The gas engine automatically
starts and stops to provide power when
needed and to save fuel when not needed.
While coasting at low speeds, coming to
a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally
shuts down and the vehicle operates in
electric-only mode. Conditions that may
cause the engine to start up or remain
running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration
• Vehicle speed above 85 mph (137
km/h) However, the maximum speed
for electric–only operation may be
lower while driving in hot temperatures
or on hilly terrain.
• Ascending a hill
• Charge level of high voltage battery is
low
143Unique Driving Characteristics
• Very high or low outside temperature
(to provide system cooling or heating)
For Fusion Energi vehicles, climate
control demands by passengers may
not directly cause the engine to run.
This only occurs when the high voltage
battery charge is low, or if the outside
temperature is cold enough to require
the engine to provide additional heat
for the cabin.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
Stopping: The gas engine may shut off
to conserve fuel as you come to a stop.
Restarting the vehicle is not required.
Simply step on the accelerator when you
are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation: Due to the
technologically advanced,
electronically-controlled continuously
variable transaxle, you will not feel shift
changes like those of a non-hybrid vehicle.
Note: Since engine speed is controlled by
the transmission, it may seem elevated at
times. This is normal hybrid operation and
helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance.
Neutral: It is not recommended to idle the
vehicle in position N for an extended period
of time because this will discharge your
high voltage battery and decrease fuel
economy. The engine will not start or stop,
and cannot provide power to the hybrid
system in position N.
Low Gear: Low gear (position L ) is
designed to mimic the enhanced engine
braking available in non-hybrid vehicles.
Low gear will produce high engine speeds
to provide necessary engine braking. This
is normal and will not damage your vehicle.
In low gear, the gas engine will remain on
more often than in position D.
Reverse: In position R , vehicle speed is
limited to 22 mph (35 km/h). Unique Hybrid Operating
Characteristics
Your vehicle behaves differently compared
to a non-hybrid. Here is a description of the
major differences:
Battery: Your hybrid is equipped with a
high voltage battery. A cool battery ensures
battery life and provides the best possible
performance. Your hybrid high voltage
battery may periodically re-condition itself
to ensure maximum efficiency. You may
notice slight changes in driveability during
this process, but it is an important part of
your hybrid's high voltage battery
optimization features.
The high voltage battery is cooled by cabin
air pulled into the high voltage battery
through vents in the rear package tray.
Avoid placing objects on the package tray
that could block airflow through the vents.
Engine: The engine speed in your hybrid
is not directly tied to your vehicle speed.
Your vehicle's engine and transmission are
designed to deliver the power you need at
the most efficient engine speed. During
heavy accelerations, your hybrid may reach
high engine speeds (up to 6000 RPM).
In prolonged mountainous driving, you may
see the engine tachometer changing
without your input. This is intentional and
maintains the battery charge level. You
may also notice during extended downhill
driving that your engine continues to run
instead of shutting off.
During this engine braking, the engine stays
on, but it is not using any fuel. You may also
hear a slight whine or whistle when
operating your vehicle. This is the normal
operation of the electric generator in the
hybrid system.
144Unique Driving Characteristics
Note: Allow about five to ten seconds after
pumping fuel before removing the fuel filler
nozzle. This allows residual fuel to drain
back into the fuel tank and not spill onto the
vehicle.
4. After you have stopped pumping fuel,
slowly remove the fuel filler nozzle.
Note: A fuel spillage concern may occur if
overfilling the fuel tank. Do not overfill the
tank to the point that the fuel is able to
bypass the fuel filler nozzle. The overfilled
fuel may run down the drain located below
and in front of the fuel filler door.
5. To close the fuel filler door, press the
center rear edge of the fuel filler door
and then release. The fuel door will
latch closed.
If the fuel fill inlet did not close properly, a
Check Fuel Fill Inlet message may
appear on the instrument cluster.
At the next opportunity, do the following:
1. Safely pull off the road.
2. Put the vehicle in position P and switch
the ignition off.
3. Open the fuel filler door and remove
any visible debris from the fuel fill
opening.
4. Insert the fuel fill nozzle, or the fuel fill
funnel provided with your vehicle,
several times to allow the inlet to close
properly. This will dislodge any debris
preventing the inlet from sealing.
If this action corrects the problem, the
message may not reset immediately. It
may take several driving cycles for the
message to turn off. A driving cycle
consists of an engine start-up (after four
or more hours with the engine off) followed
by city or highway driving. Continuing to
drive with the message on may cause the
service engine soon lamp to turn on as
well. Easy Fuel™ Capless System
(Energi Vehicles Only) WARNING
The fuel system may be under
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious
personal injury.
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Put the vehicle in position P and switch
the ignition off. E166527
2. Press the center-rear edge of the fuel
filler door and release to open.
E146221
3. Press the button located on the center
console to open the fuel filler door. It
could take up to 15 seconds for the fuel
door to pop open allowing you to insert
the fuel filler nozzle.
151Fuel and Refueling